How to Set Language Learning Goals in Your Bullet Journal

Have you ever planned your language learning goals for the year ahead? Now I am not a fan of New Year’s resolutions, but I do like a plan! A plan for accomplishing my language learning goals, etc, etc… for the next 12 months, but broken down into manageable 28-day chunks with some break days in-between. Daily and monthly goals are part of bullet journaling, but annual goals now they require more planning and organizational techniques.

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It’s tempting to choose a language that will really impress your friends and family. However, unless that language is something you really want to achieve, you probably won’t have the motivation to make it a reality. Before setting any language goals it can be really helpful to discover what kind of learner you are? When you are aware of your learning style you can better plan your goals and will be more likely to succeed in achieving them.

SET S.M.A.R.T.T. GOALS

Another common guide to goal setting is the S.M.A.R.T.T acronym. SMART has been used in the world of business for years, although the last ‘T‘ is a fairly new addition. It can be used as a practical guide for setting focused language learning goals. Grab some scrap paper and set some S.M.A.R.T.T goals.

SETTING GOALS IN YOUR MONTHLY SPREADS

The first Sunday of the month is when I create my monthly spread. I take a few minutes to consider any unaccomplished tasks from the previous month and check my language learning goals to check that I am on track.

Estée Janssens / Unsplash

POSITIVITY PRODUCTIVE

Staying motivated can be really difficult. I’ve found that giving myself regular structured breaks can help energize me and make my language learning goals feel more attainable again.

Reward yourself, use affirmations, set daily reminders, take part in challenges and post in supportive language learning groups. Doing all this will help with motivation, accountability and energize you towards achieving your set goals. I also keep a list of inspirational quotes, so if I’m having a particularly bad day, I can add a positive boost to my daily pages.

Estée Janssens / Unsplash

PRINTABLE 28 DAY LANGUAGE PLANNER!

My PDF worksheet will help guide you through creating your own language learning goals for the next 28 days ahead. Download the free 28 Day Language Planner Printable. The planner also will help you to plan for any obstacles that may come your way.

***Psst*** I have a special goal-setting toolkit only for my subscribers. Make sure you sign up for my newsletter to get language learning news and freebies each month.

Remember that when it comes to learning a new language, goal setting is only the starting point! You need to be dedicated to your goals. They need to mean something to you. Write that reason in your journal. Take at least 20-40 minutes each day to meeting your language learning goals. You might not always reach your goals for various reasons so don’t be too hard on yourself just pick things up from where you left off and start again.

Good luck and best wishes for the year ahead!

Do you set language learning goals in your journal? What are your favorite ways to stay motivated when working toward a long-term goal? Do you have a language journal? Share your pictures of it on our social media sites or comment below.

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The Mindful Language Learner

Trisha, is the founder of Language Learners Journal.com. An award-winning blog dedicated to empowering and promoting a more mindful approach to independent language learning and teaching across the UK and beyond.
Trisha has a professional and academic background in psychology and well-being. She has been practicing mindfulness for over 20 years and has professionally taught CBT-based mindfulness for the past 7 years.
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